Self-consistent mean-field models for nuclear structure

TLDR

These models are presented as effective energy‑density functionals used to describe nuclear structure. The authors review the current status of self‑consistent mean‑field models for nuclear structure and low‑energy dynamics. The review compares the three main SCMF variants—Skyrme, Gogny, and relativistic mean‑field—examining pairing treatment, extensions beyond mean‑field, and phenomenological parameter adjustments. The SCMF models demonstrate high performance across a broad range of typical nuclear structure applications.

Abstract

The authors review the present status of self-consistent mean-field (SCMF) models for describing nuclear structure and low-energy dynamics. These models are presented as effective energy-density functionals. The three most widely used variants of SCMF's based on a Skyrme energy functional, a Gogny force, and a relativistic mean-field Lagrangian are considered side by side. The crucial role of the treatment of pairing correlations is pointed out in each case. The authors discuss other related nuclear structure models and present several extensions beyond the mean-field model which are currently used. Phenomenological adjustment of the model parameters is discussed in detail. The performance quality of the SCMF model is demonstrated for a broad range of typical applications.